02/09/2025
In recovery we often hear a sense of defeat, demoralization, and failure when a relapse or lapse occurs. There is a sense that āitās all been for nothingā, that all the hard work, dedication, sacrifice and progress is suddenly lost.
This couldnāt be farther from the truth. Slips into old behaviors after stretches of abstinence do not take away from the strengths built, amount of coping skills utilized, and successes that occurred during periods of abstinence. Nothing can take that away.
They do, however, act as red flags deserving our time and attention. They indicate that we are experiencing some kind of stressor and feeling a need for release. They remind us that we need to continue to be mindful of our triggers, both internal (anger, boredom, anxiety, etc.) and external (people, places, and things).
If we have a slip, the most recovery-oriented thing we can do is offer ourselves compassion, identify the triggers, and proactively move forward. Reach out, tell someone we know and trust, and return to the structures that work.
You are not alone.
You are not a failure.
You are on the right path.
Keep going.
